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Utah Jazz Agree On 2-Year, $22 Million Deal With Joe Johnson

By Matthew Hallett

May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat forward Joe Johnson (2) handles the ball as Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) tries to defend during the second quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat forward Joe Johnson (2) handles the ball as Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) tries to defend during the second quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Johnson has agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal with the Utah Jazz. Here is why it makes sense.

The Utah Jazz appear to be all about getting more experience and talent into their lineup. They needed to because none of their players were older than 30 last year.

First, they added George Hill in a trade which only cost them the 12th overall pick in a weak draft. Smart more here; Hill was an underrated but effective performer with the Indiana Pacers.

This move brings even more stability to a position that the Jazz have struggled with for a long time. Shelvin Mack and Dante Exum back Teague up in this position, which allowed Utah to send Trey Burke to Washington for a second-round draft pick.

They did let Trevor Booker escape their clutches and losing this spark will hurt the Jazz short term. The Jazz have agreed to terms with an experienced combination shooting guard and small forward in Joe Johnson, according to David Aldridge of TNT.

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Joe Johnson is a 15-year veteran of the league and a seven-time All-Star. At 35, I would expect his role to start diminishing, but he is not being brought to Utah to be a star.

Gordon Hayward is the star of this team, of that there is no question, but what the Jazz have accomplished by signing Johnson is getting a backup small forward who can compete.

I love Joe Ingles, but he is not quite up to competing with the LeBron James-type players. Johnson has much more of a chance.

Johnson has a career average of 16.9 points per game, but in Brooklyn  he saw it fall as far as 11.2 points per game last season.

After being waived, Johnson signed on with the Miami Heat and without the pressure of being one of the main men, he saw his average rise to 13.4 points per game.

The addition of Johnson to the Jazz is only a good thing. Their starting five is Rudy Gobert at center, Derrick Favors at power forward, Hayward at small forward and Teague starting point guard.

The Jazz have a decision to make with the final spot of shooting guard with Rodney Hood, Alex Burks or Johnson all able to fill this role. I would lean away from Johnson due to his versatility at two positions.

This brings me to the bench. The two players who don’t get the starting gig should form a strong start to the bench. Add in Mack and  Exum and the guard rotation is looking good

At the small forward position, the addition of Johnson suddenly means their is depth at a position of weakness last season. Ingles and Chris Johnson will provide further backup.

At the power forward, Trey Lyles is the only real backup for Derrick Favors. Johnson allows for Utah to play some small ball possibly, meaning that power forward is not as big an issue.

Center is still the only position of concern for me. Rudy Gobert is one of the best shot blockers in the league but with only Tibor Pleiss and Jeff Withey as backups there is still some weakness.

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Even at 35, Johnson is a really good addition to the Jazz squad.

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